MEDAL OF HONOR: Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura
Stories of heroism and self-sacrifice, powerfully told.
Should You Watch It?
This episode tells the story of Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, a U.S. soldier who defended his position during the Korean War against an overwhelming enemy force. His willingness to risk his life so wounded soldiers could escape gives the episode a clear moral center: courage is measured by what someone is willing to sacrifice for others.
The interviews are especially compelling because Hershey was still alive and living in Texas when the episode was released. His firsthand perspective, along with discussions of Christian faith and God’s guidance, gives the history a personal and spiritual dimension.
The combat reenactment is more violent than those in other episodes, though it is incredibly well-produced. Watch it with teenagers and adults, but keep very young viewers away.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDuring the Korean War, U.S. troops defend their positions against an enormous invading force. Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura holds his ground with a machine gun and bayonet, giving wounded soldiers time to escape.
The episode also looks at America’s fears about its Japanese citizens during World War II and follows how Hershey served his country in Korea. His story is told through reenactment and interviews.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is outstanding television within its documentary format. The reenactment is more violent than those in other episodes, but it is incredibly well-produced. The episode is also fascinating because of Hershey’s interviews and his firsthand presence as the person whose story is being told.
Its strongest feature is the way it combines compelling history with a clear portrait of self-sacrifice. The episode’s discussions of Christian faith and God’s guidance add meaning without distracting from Hershey’s military service.
The Worldview
The episode presents a strong biblical and moral worldview. It treats self-sacrifice as honorable and bravery as deeply important, especially when Hershey risks his own life to help wounded soldiers escape. The story also includes discussions of Christian faith and God’s guidance.
The episode examines America’s fears about its Japanese citizens during World War II and shows Hershey serving his country during the Korean War. It also depicts communism. These elements place his personal courage within the broader history of war, national loyalty, and conflict.
The episode’s central emphasis on giving oneself for others resonates with Jesus’ words: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
<strong>
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
</strong> Strong biblical and moral worldview where self-sacrifice is highlighted and bravery is seen as incredibly important, some discussions of faith and God’s guidance; <strong>
Foul Language
</strong> No foul language; <strong>
Violence
</strong> Intense scenes of warfare including many deaths by rifles, machine guns, grenade fire, and bayonets, and scenes of gruesome injuries inflicted by battle; <strong>
Sex
</strong> No sex; <strong>
Nudity
</strong> No nudity; <strong>
Alcohol Use
</strong> No alcohol use; <strong>
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
</strong> No smoking or drug use; and, <strong>
Miscellaneous Immorality
</strong> Depictions of communism.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Hershey risks his life so wounded soldiers can escape. What does his example show about courage and responsibility toward others?
John 15:13 · Philippians 2:3–4The episode discusses faith and God’s guidance. How might faith shape someone’s decisions during fear, danger, or uncertainty?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Psalm 56:3Why is it important to remember the human cost of war, including both sacrifice and suffering?
Psalm 34:18 · Romans 12:15What can we learn from the episode’s treatment of bravery, and how can bravery look different in ordinary life?
Joshua 1:9 · Micah 6:8The Final Word
This is a moving, exceptionally well-produced account of courage, sacrifice, and service. The intense battle violence makes it unsuitable for very young viewers, but teenagers and adults can find much to appreciate here. WORTH WATCHING.
